Cyclothymia is a mild mood disorder which is
sometimes seen as more of a personality trait than an illness. Cyclothymia
is characterised by repetitive periods of mild depression followed by periods
of normal or slightly elevated mood. A percentage of cyclothymics go on to
develop full-blown bipolar disorder (normally bipolar II type) at some stage
in their lives, while others suffer from forms of depression or other more
severe mood disorders.

Some researchers have theorized that cyclothymia
is common among creative and high-achieving people, with the idea being that
cyclothymics come up with new ideas during their brief high periods, and
then grind doggedly through the work necessary to achieve that new idea during
their lengthy low periods. Historically, cyclothymia has been associated
with various ethnic groups, including the Scots. See James Boswell's London
Journal, 1762-1763, for some observations about the Scottish character and
"moodiness". Winston Churchill was cyclothymic.

The information above is not intended
for and should not be used as a substitute for the diagnosis and/or treatment
by a licensed, qualified, health-care professional. This article is licensed
under the GNU Free Documentation
License. It incorporates material originating from the Wikipedia article
"Cyclothymia".